Final Grade After New Construction

Protect Your New Home With a Proper Final Grade

The final grade after new construction is one of the most important steps in finishing a property. It directs water away from your foundation, prevents erosion, and sets the stage for a healthy lawn and long-lasting hardscapes. In the Burlington and Lake Geneva area, seasonal freeze-thaw cycles and heavy spring rains make proper grading essential. RLP Diversified, Inc brings more than two decades of grading and excavating experience to Southeastern Wisconsin home and business owners who want a durable, attractive, and code-compliant finish for their site.

If you just finished building or renovating, a correct final grade is not a nice-to-have. It is a must-have that protects your investment, reduces maintenance, and improves curb appeal. RLP Diversified, Inc offers free estimates, clear timelines, and reliable results throughout Burlington, Lake Geneva, and surrounding communities.

What Is the Final Grade After New Construction?

The final grade is the finished contour of your yard and building surroundings once construction is complete. It is the shape, slope, and elevation that manage surface water and lay a smooth foundation for seeding, sodding, driveways, and walkways. During the build, your property usually moves through two main stages: rough grading and final grading.

Rough Grade vs Final Grade

Rough Grading: Establishes general elevations, backfills around the foundation, and creates a basic shape for driveways and yard areas. It is the heavy earthmoving phase.
Final Grading: Fine-tunes slopes to precise tolerances, corrects low spots, blends transitions, and prepares the topsoil for seeding or sod. This is the protective finishing layer that controls drainage and supports landscaping.

RLP Diversified, Inc coordinates both stages, so the final grade after new construction meets water management goals and looks clean and polished.

Why Final Grading Matters in Burlington and Lake Geneva

Our local soils range from dense clays to loamy topsoils. We get snowmelt, intense thunderstorms, and long wet spells. Without the right slopes, water can move toward your home, collect in low areas, and undermine foundations, patios, and driveways. A quality final grade reduces these risks and delivers long-term value.

Foundation Protection: A positive slope away from the foundation helps keep basements and crawl spaces dry.
Erosion Control: Properly shaped yards resist washouts, ruts, and sediment tracking during storms.
Curb Appeal: Smooth transitions, clean edges, and even topsoil depth create a great canvas for lawn and landscaping.
Compliance: Many municipalities in Wisconsin require erosion control and stable grades before final occupancy approvals.
Lower Maintenance: Well-graded sites shed water efficiently, which means fewer puddles and less mud.

What a Correct Final Grade Looks Like

There is no single slope that fits every site, but there are guidelines that help most properties around Burlington and Lake Geneva perform well.

Foundation Slope: A common target is at least 5 percent for the first 10 feet away from the building. That equals a 6 inch drop over 10 feet.
General Yard Slope: 2 to 3 percent helps direct water to swales or drainage structures without creating a yard that feels too steep.
Driveways and Walkways: 1 to 2 percent promotes runoff with safe walking and driving surfaces.
Topsoil Depth: 4 to 6 inches of quality topsoil supports healthy grass roots and resilient lawns.
Smooth Transitions: No abrupt changes that trap water. RLP Diversified, Inc blends contours for even drainage.

In lake-adjacent areas, shoreline protection and stable swales are particularly important. Our team designs grades that work with shoreline stabilization strategies when needed.

Our Final Grading Process

RLP Diversified, Inc follows a consistent, detail-focused process to deliver a reliable final grade after new construction. We use a combination of laser levels, experienced operators, and well-maintained equipment from Caterpillar, Bobcat, and New Holland to achieve accurate results.

Site Evaluation: We walk the property, review plans, and check existing grades, downspout locations, driveways, and any low spots or drainage paths.
Grade Planning: We confirm target slopes for foundation areas, yard surfaces, and hardscape transitions. We plan where water should go and how it should get there.
Rough Shaping: If needed, we reshape subgrade and correct compaction levels to set a stable base for topsoil.
Topsoil Placement: We deliver and spread screened topsoil to the correct depth, using our own aggregate and trucking resources to control quality and timing.
Fine Grading: We smooth, blade, and roll the surface to achieve uniform planes and keep a consistent pitch away from structures.
Drainage Features: We create shallow swales, install inlet protection if required, and recommend options such as downspout extensions or splash blocks.
Erosion Control: We apply seed, fertilizer, and mulch or erosion control blankets for slopes. We can install silt fence and other measures according to local requirements.
Final Walkthrough: We verify slopes with instruments and walk the site with you to confirm the results meet expectations.

Integrated Services That Support Better Final Grades

Because RLP Diversified, Inc offers more than grading, we can keep your schedule on track and your quality high. Our team has provided full-service grading and excavating across Wisconsin since 2000, and we expanded our capabilities in 2013 by integrating Andy’s Excavating.

Aggregate and Trucking: Delivery of topsoil, fill dirt, sand, stone, gravel, and limestone for new lawns, driveways, and road bases.
Grading and Earthmoving: Rough grading, finish grading, stripping topsoil, spreading topsoil, backfilling basements, and seeding.
Excavating: Dredging, scraping, and demolition for foundations, parking lots, shorelines, and ponds.
Pond Excavation and Shoreline Work: Pond construction, maintenance, and shoreline stabilization to protect property edges.
Demolition and Concrete Recycling: Removal of failed concrete and site cleanup to prepare for proper final grading.

With RLP Diversified, Inc you do not have to coordinate multiple contractors. Our integrated approach helps keep costs predictable and timelines reliable.

Local Conditions We Consider

Every final grade after new construction in Burlington and Lake Geneva should account for site-specific factors. Our crews understand the region and plan accordingly.

Clay Soils: Heavier soils can hold water and expand when wet. We set slopes that encourage shedding rather than pooling.
Snowmelt and Spring Rains: We design grades that perform during peak conditions, not just during summer sunshine.
Sump Pump Discharge: We route water to safe outlets and create discharge pads or swales that resist erosion.
Tree Lines and Shade: Shaded areas can stay damp. We adjust slope and topsoil depth to support healthy grass.
Shoreline Proximity: Near lakes and ponds, we integrate shoreline protection and design stable transitions.

How to Tell You Need Corrective Final Grading

If your builder left you with a rough grade or your yard has settled, you might see warning signs. RLP Diversified, Inc can evaluate your property and recommend corrections that protect your home and landscape.

Puddles that linger for more than 24 to 48 hours after a normal rain.
Water trails or silt stains running toward the foundation.
Soil or mulch washing onto sidewalks after storms.
Uneven lawn growth, thin turf, or soft spots in the yard.
Standing water along driveways, patios, or walkways.

Timeline and Cost Factors

Many final grading projects take one to three days once materials are on site, depending on weather and the size of the property. Costs vary based on factors that include:

Lot size and layout complexity.
Import or export of soil and topsoil quantities.
Access for equipment and trucking.
Drainage features such as swales or extensions.
Erosion control requirements and seed or sod choices.

RLP Diversified, Inc provides clear, itemized estimates so you know exactly what is included. We can complete grading as a standalone service or as part of a larger project that includes driveway preparation, pond work, or demolition.

What You Can Expect From RLP Diversified, Inc

Experience: Serving Wisconsin since 2000 with a strong track record in residential and commercial grading.
Capability: Well-maintained equipment from Caterpillar, Bobcat, and New Holland for precise results.
Quality Materials: In-house aggregate and trucking ensures consistency with topsoil and base materials.
Local Knowledge: Familiarity with Burlington, Lake Geneva, and surrounding codes and site conditions.
Service Area: Projects across the state, including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, Racine, Mequon, Kenosha, and Green Bay.

Seed, Sod, and Erosion Control Options

Final grading often includes establishing a lawn and stabilizing slopes. RLP Diversified, Inc offers tailored options that fit your budget and timeline.

Seeded Lawns: Screened topsoil, starter fertilizer, premium seed blends suited to Southeastern Wisconsin, and straw mulch or erosion control blankets.
Sod Installation: Quick coverage and immediate erosion control for high-visibility areas or steeper slopes.
Erosion Control: Silt fence, inlet protection, and blankets that help prevent washouts while grass establishes.

We will help you choose between seed and sod based on site conditions, season, and maintenance goals.

Homeowner Tips After Final Grading

Protect your investment after the final grade is complete by following a few simple steps.

Direct Downspouts: Use extensions or splash blocks to send roof runoff away from the foundation.
Avoid Overwatering: New lawns need moisture, but too much water can create ruts and puddles.
Limit Heavy Traffic: Keep vehicles and heavy equipment off new lawns until the ground is firm and grass is established.
Monitor Settling: Some settling is normal. Call RLP Diversified, Inc if you notice low spots forming near the foundation.
Maintain Sod and Seed: Follow watering and mowing guidelines to establish a strong root system.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should the final grade be done after new construction?

Final grading is typically scheduled after exterior work is complete and heavy equipment traffic has ended. In our area, spring through fall is ideal, but we can work in winter if the ground is not deeply frozen and conditions allow.

How much slope do I need away from my foundation?

A common guideline is at least 5 percent slope for the first 10 feet away from the structure. That equals about 6 inches of drop over 10 feet. RLP Diversified, Inc verifies the slope with instruments to ensure proper drainage.

Do I need topsoil for a final grade?

Yes. A stable subgrade is important, but quality topsoil supports grass growth and helps absorb and release water evenly. We typically recommend 4 to 6 inches of screened topsoil for lawns.

Can you fix grading problems around existing patios or driveways?

Often yes. We can create gentle transitions, add surface drains when appropriate, and adjust nearby grades to prevent water from ponding against hardscapes.

What if my yard keeps washing out during storms?

That is a sign the slope or stabilization is not correct. We can evaluate soil type, slope steepness, and runoff paths, then recommend fixes such as erosion control blankets, additional topsoil, or recontouring.

How long does it take grass to establish after final grading?

Seeded lawns take several weeks to germinate and a full season to mature. Sod provides instant coverage and can be ready for light use in a few weeks with proper watering. Timing depends on weather and maintenance.

Do you handle permits or erosion control requirements?

We can coordinate with your builder and local authorities as needed. RLP Diversified, Inc follows local and state standards, including erosion control practices that help protect waterways and neighboring properties.

Why Choose RLP Diversified, Inc for Your Final Grade

RLP Diversified, Inc has the people, equipment, and experience to deliver a precise, durable final grade after new construction. Founded in 2000 in Burlington, Wisconsin, and strengthened by the integration of Andy’s Excavating in 2013, our company provides a full suite of services that keep your project on schedule and on budget. From aggregate delivery and backfilling to final shaping and lawn establishment, we handle the entire process with professionalism and clear communication.

We are proud to serve the Burlington and Lake Geneva area and the entire state of Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, Racine, Mequon, Kenosha, and Green Bay. Our team treats every property like our own, ensuring the finished grade not only looks great but performs in all seasons.

Get a Free Estimate for Final Grading

If you need a final grade after new construction or want to correct drainage issues on an existing property, contact RLP Diversified, Inc today. We will assess your site, explain your options, and provide an itemized estimate. Protect your home, improve your curb appeal, and enjoy a lawn that sheds water the right way. Schedule your grading with a trusted local team that stands behind its work.

Summary

The final grade after new construction is a critical step for any property in Burlington and Lake Geneva. It directs water away from your home, protects your foundation, prevents erosion, and creates a clean, attractive yard. With RLP Diversified, Inc you get precise grading, quality materials, and experienced operators who understand local soils and weather. From rough grading to topsoil, seeding, and erosion control, we deliver a complete solution that lasts. Reach out for a free estimate and let us help you finish your new build the right way.

Final Grade After New Construction – Burlington & Lake Geneva Area